Gilmore opposes arming opposition

Ireland appealed against any effort to arm opposition forces in Syria but supported an EU decision to extend sanctions against the regime.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said there was a danger the situation in the Middle East country would degenerate into a prolonged civil war if opposition groups were armed.

The EU froze the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU, although legitimate trade can continue under strict conditions. Trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Syrian public bodies and the central bank was also banned.